The Louisiana Garden Club Federation has awarded Lafayette the Cleanest City title for 2015. Cities are grouped according to size, and this year Lafayette surpassed Baton Rouge and Metairie in their size category to win the Cleanest City Contest.
Louisiana is the only state in which the Garden Club sponsors the Cleanest City Competition. Upon learning of the award, City-Parish President Joey Durel thanked the Lafayette Garden Club and the Cleanest City Committee for their years of service and dedication to keeping our city beautiful. “The Cleanest City Award happens through a team effort, and it belongs to the community organizations, like the Garden Club, our businesses and all of our residents who help keep Lafayette clean and beautiful.”
Durel also acknowledged the community for their renewed enthusiasm stating, “This recognition is confirmation that we are headed in the right direction with Project Front Yard and that a cultural shift has started. The community’s interest in being part of the initiative is picking up momentum.”
Public Works Director Kevin Blanchard also commended Public Works employees for their hard work and contribution towards the effort. “The men and women of Public Works take pride in helping keep the community clean. The public and private sector, together, can make a big impact on the appearance of our shared spaces.”
The award is bestowed by judges of the Louisiana Garden Club Federation (LGCF), and members of the Lafayette Garden Club help Lafayette Consolidated Government staff prepare for the judges’ visit. The news was delivered to City-Parish President Joey Durel by Jean Gilstrap, the Cleanest City Contest Chairman. The judging occurred earlier this spring.
The Cleanest City recognition is announced just weeks after Lafayette’s designation once again as Tree City USA© Status. This marks the 24th year Lafayette has earned the Tree City USA© designation. The Tree City USA© program is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation in cooperation with the National Association of State Foresters and the USDA Forest Service.
